Essential tips from experienced travel advisors to help you prepare, pack, and travel internationally with confidence.

By Christina Fox

So you want to leave the country?

Growing up my family travels consisted of domestic destinations focused around my personal athletic endeavors and theme park destinations. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still love exploring places I’ve never been to in the United States as well as my favorite theme parks. However, since becoming a travel advisor, my horizons have been broadened.

There’s something about the ability to explore more than a new destination when on vacation. To thoroughly explore a new location, climate, wildlife, and culture is a mixture of emotions and reactions. Some destinations have left me in awe of the things they accomplish while others leave me speechless as I take in the beauty. No matter where my passport has been stamped, I leave more enriched than I arrived.

Now, I am excited to share my own adventures with others but also help them achieve their own travel experiences one passport stamp at a time. But first, we have to get you ready because getting there is part of the journey.

Preparing for the Journey

Choosing the Destination		Choosing the Right Resort
We take pride as an agency in experiencing the destinations we sell. If you’re not sure where you want to go, partnering with an agent who has personally visited multiple destinations and resorts can relieve the stress of the what ifs. Know you’re choosing the right resort for your vacation by narrowing down your options based on real life advice and expertise.		Our advisors work closely with the resorts that align with their personal values and priorities in a vacation. Determining what you’re looking for in a resort can be just as important as the destination itself. Some resorts offer fantastic nightlife while others are truly focused on relaxation and wellness. Know what you’re getting in your resort of choice before you ever confirm your booking.

“Make sure you’re booking a resort that is a good personality for your travel style.”

— Casey Nickens, Travel Advisor

Passports and Visa

Traveling internationally always requires a passport for United States citizens. This is true for newborn infants through the elderly. If you’re planning to leave the country via airplane, you’ll need to start planning to get your passport booklet. Unlike travel via land which can be done via a passport card, air travel requires a passport booklet. 

Travel advisors also recommend a passport booklet for guests looking to travel internationally via a cruise. This included closed loop cruises – cruises departing from and returning to the same United States port. In the event of an emergency, a passport is required for returning to the United States via air – this includes medical air evacuations.

If you already have your passport, you can knock one task off your international travel checklist already. But, you should still pull out your passport, verify the condition, expiration date, and the number of available blank pages in the back of the book. Some countries will require a specific number of blank pages as well as passport validity beyond a certain date. Each destination is different so you should always check with your travel advisor for the most up to date information.

Some countries will require a visa for visitors. Visa requirements also depend on the reason for travel, length of stay, and the visitor’s country of residence. Your travel advisor will be sure to check the requirements for your specific country or destination and be sure to let you know if there are additional steps to complete prior to your visit.

Packing and Luggage

Traveling internationally can come down to the pound – or kilogram- of luggage. It’s always a good idea to verify luggage restrictions on international flights. Steve Palmer, travel advisor, recommends clients, “Make sure that travelers [you] check with any airline that you might be using as a connection, while domestic airlines typically will go with a 50 pound weight limit for your checked bags, some airlines will weigh your carry-on and not allow more than a certain number of kilograms… make sure you know what the conversion is!”

Less can be more when traveling internationally as well. If you can pack in a carry-on only, you can save time in the airport as well. Don’t over think and you won’t overpack. If you’re visiting a beach destination, think of beach wear. If you’re headed to Europe or Asia, be sure to check the weather forecast before you start packing as well as again just before you leave. Weather in other countries is not unlike the weather in the United States – it can always change quickly.

Know Your Limits

Some countries, such as Mexico, have restrictions on what you can and cannot bring into the country. It’s always best to visit an official airport or government website prior to your travel dates to be sure you aren’t bringing in anything that may be considered illegal.

In addition, look into and keep track of what you’re purchasing while visiting internationally. Every traveler reentering the United States, whether via land, air, or sea, will be subject to inspection and declaration to United States Customs and Board Patrol. Make sure you know what items or purchases you are required to declare upon your return to the United States. Failure to declare some items and purchases may result in search, seizure, and even fines.

Ready to Plan?

Whether you’re just starting to consider international travel or it’s been heavy on your heart for some time, make sure you have the right tools to make the best adventure you can internationally. Travel advisors are equipped with the knowledge and experience to guide you through the planning process. From packing cubes to official documents, there’s no requirement that goes unnoticed by a travel advisor. We curate the trip you desire while ensuring the entire vacation experience leaves you ready to start planning the next adventure before you even make it home. Let Take More Vacations agents help build the vacation of your dreams.